I feel like I'm in a living hell

Nurses Career Support

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I have been a nurse for two years now. I want to quit so bad and change careers but my husband has basically put his foot down and told me that I'm sticking this out until I retire and I'm only 36. When I was in school, I liked it and I enjoyed it. But the reality of all the politics and management have absolutely ruined it for me. My first job was at a nursing home and I hated it so I went to the hospital which I've been at now for two years. I worked on a PCU and after a year, transferred into an ambulatory surgery unit and have been there ever since. I love all my coworkers and the work isn't bad but again, management and politics have been making me feel like I made a huge mistake going to nursing school to begin with. I've been sending out resume after resume and not getting any bites. I don't understand why with the experience that I have now after two years. I would love to work in a non-clinical setting or in management but I don't have a BSN. I'm not sure if that is holding me back from getting interviews or if it's something else. I have no idea where to look for jobs anymore or which jobs to even search for and I'm losing faith that I'll be able to break free from the organization I'm in. Should I be constantly calling the places I send resumes to and hounding them about the positions I'm applying for? I was all set to go back for my BSN but I don't want to waste more money and stay unhappy. I really don't know what to do at this point. I'm so stressed out and so angry all the time. Can anyone help me? Is anyone else going through something similar? Is this normal?

I hate nursing and I finally do not work in a clinical setting, I do case management, from home (plus field visits), but I still despise it and looking for ANYTHING that is not related to healthcare.

First, your husband is not the one having to get up and go to a job he hates - you are - so his "putting his foot down" is not really relevant - NO ONE can MAKE you stay in a career, job, etc for the remainder of your life except you. If his concern is you won't work and need to in order for bills etc to be paid I can understand that but otherwise - not his call.

Secondly, your BSN or lack thereof would only hold you back from positions that specifically require one - usually that is listed somewhere in the description of the job.

Third, are you going to job sites like indeed? Monster? Glassdoor? Careerbuilder? USAJOBS.gov and the like to search and apply? Also, look at insurance companies, drug companies etc. You can move into a non-clinical role that needs your degree and experience. Keep in mind the job market is tough - even for seasoned nurses - and for every job you are applying for there are more than likely several more applying as well. Hounding would only put the recruiters/nurse managers off - nothing wrong w/making sure your info. was received if you haven't heard one way or the other but if you have gotten something acknowledging you applied - leave it alone.

Lastly, given how much you, at least at this point, do like nursing I would not, if I were you, take the time, money and stress on of going back and getting a BSN. It would be better to wait until you find something else OR if you are determined to go back to school then get your degree in something else that interests you.

As far as not liking nursing/bedside nursing...healthcare has changed a LOT in the past 15 yrs. I use to love nursing, now, it's a means to an end (paycheck). As far as the politics in nursing/healthcare - that is going to be anywhere - even in a non-healthcare setting - only advice there is to not get caught up in it or climb the ladder & try to change it. Good luck.

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

You've had three jobs in two years and you wonder why your resume isn't getting a bite? Job hopping; that's why. You look on paper like someone who will stay about 8 months and then move on. Also, you don't really have two years of experience -- you have 8 or so months of experience three times. That's not the same thing. You don't really have any depth of experience -- you're on the "Continuous Newbie" plan. A BSN would make you more attractive for jobs that require a BSN, but what you really need is to stay in one job for at least two years.

I can understand your husband not wanting to support you while you get another degree for another career with no guarantee that you'll like that career when you're finally ready to start earning again. My best advice to you would be to stay in your present job until you've been there for two years. Meantime, decide what, if anything, you actually like about nursing, what you don't love but can tolerate and what is an absolute hatred. Then you'll be in a better position to decide what sort of different job might actually work for you long term.

If you dislike politics, you really do not want to go into management.

I've been a lpn for seven years, now I'm a new rn and I feel totally incompetent. My confidence shrinks everyday. I don't think bedside nursing is for me....too much stress.

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